Spike Chunsoft have recently announced that BAKERU, otherwise known in Japan as Otogi Katsugeki Mameda no Bakeru: Oracle Saitarou no Sainan!!, will receive a physical release in Europe and North America for the Nintendo Switch on 25th February 2025. Originally the game was only released digitally onto the Nintendo Switch (and Windows PC via Steam) on 3rd September 2024.
BAKERU is a 3D-Action game that combines various different types of gameplay elements, including 3D Platforming, Arcade Shooter and 3D Brawler, and sees players take control of Bakeru the Tanuki as they assist Sun from the Issun clan in restoring peace to the country. As part of the game players will explore different areas of Japan and be able to learn about its culture, and history, through hidden trivia collectables. It’s a colourful game and worth exploring through the creative demo available on the Nintendo eShop.
About: Disaster strikes Japan. It all started when Bakeru the Tanuki met Sun from the Issun clan on a stormy night. He gets caught up in a scourge that shakes the entire country. Bakeru hears that Oracle Saitaro and his Festival Troops are using a bizarre festival to take over Japan. He vows to go on a journey with Sun to bring peace back to Japan. To free Japan from the grip of evil spirits, Bakeru’s adventure to 47 Japanese prefectures begins.
In this 3D action game, take the role of the titular character Bakeru on an adventure through Japan’s 47 prefectures to defeat the diabolical Festival Troops and restore peace. There will be battles featuring fairy tale heroes and giant robots. You can fight back using your taiko drum and if you get a Henge license, use the Tanuki’s power of transformation to shapeshift into different forms.The game features the vibrant and dynamic atmosphere of Japan, along with challenging stages that showcase the unique characteristics of each region.
The game was originally released onto the Nintendo Switch earlier this year, and even debut during a Japanese Nintendo Direct Steam some time ago, and gained attention from fans of Mystical Ninja GOEMON (an N64 game). The original western release, which was available for both Windows PC and Nintendo Switch, was originally released digitally and a playable demo was also released onto the Nintendo eShop.
Fans who have been looking forward to BAKERU, but holding out for a physical version, will only have to wait a little bit longer as the physical Nintendo Switch version will be released on 25th February 2025. In the meantime BAKERU is available digitally on both Windows PC and Nintendo Switch with a playable demo available on the Nintendo eShop.
Trailer:
Demo Gameplay:
